Optimal joint movement means you can move a joint through its full, natural range of motion (ROM) smoothly, efficiently, and without pain —while still staying controlled and stable. This is often called high-quality mobility . It is not just “being flexible.” It is the combination of: Mobility: active, controlled joint motion Stability: the ability to control joint position and resist unwanted movement When mobility and stability are balanced, your body can move well for daily life and sports. When that balance is disrupted—by injury, pain, poor posture, or long periods of sitting—your body often “cheats” by shifting stress into other joints. Over time, these compensations can lead to stiffness, overload, and a higher risk of reinjury. What “Range of Motion” Really Means (and Why It Matters) Range of motion (ROM) is the amount a joint can move in a specific direction, measured in degrees. Clinicians often measure ROM with a goniometer , especially after injury or when movement...
Digestive symptoms are common. Almost everyone deals with belly pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or heartburn at some point. The hard part is knowing when it’s “normal and temporary” versus a sign you need a specialist. A simple rule helps: Start with a primary care clinician (PCP) for new, mild, short-term, or occasional digestive problems. Consult a gastroenterologist (GI) for symptoms that are severe, persistent, recurring, or lasting 4+ weeks , or for alarm signs such as bleeding, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss. Below is a clear, practical guide (with “red flags,” timelines, and real-world examples) on how integrative nurse practitioners and chiropractors can support gut health— without delaying necessary medical care. What a primary care doctor does for digestive issues A primary care clinician (family medicine, internal medicine, or primary care NP/PA) is your first stop for many gut problems. The...
